Ayla and the Thirsty Kitten

It is a hot, hot day. The sun is big and yellow.
Ayla walks home with Grandma. Step, step, step.

"Mew," says a little voice. "Mew, mew."
Ayla stops. Under a bush is a tiny grey kitten. Its tongue is out. It looks tired.
"Grandma, the kitten is hot," says Ayla.
"I think the kitten is thirsty," says Grandma.

Ayla has a water bottle. She also has a small lid.
She pours water into the lid. Drip, drip, drip.
She puts it down slowly and gently. She does not chase the kitten. She steps back and waits.

The kitten looks at the water. The kitten looks at Ayla.
Then lap, lap, lap! The kitten drinks and drinks.

"Good kitten," whispers Ayla. "Drink, drink, drink."

Grandma puts the lid in the shade under the bush.
"Now the kitten has water and a cool place to rest," says Grandma.

The kitten curls up in the shade. Purr, purr, purr.
Ayla smiles. "Can we bring water again tomorrow?"
"Yes," says Grandma. "Kind hands are good hands."

The next day, Ayla brings water again.
And the kitten is waiting. "Mew!"